Tuesday’s EFL Cup tips: Leeds, Cardiff and Swansea fancied
Published:![Marcelo Bielsa Leeds](https://sports.coral.co.uk/news/cdn/img/d1e5a4d7-5146-4799-9f6d-63655db08077.jpeg?w=1920&fm=webp&q=75)
Preview and odds for tonight’s games
The second round of the EFL Cup begins tonight, with several intriguing match-ups.
All of the Premier League sides not in European action enter at this phase of the competition, and they’ll be looking to avoid a banana skin or pick up momentum.
The Coral News Team have had a look at tonight’s games and picked our their tips for the evening…
Leeds v Preston
Marcelo Bielsa has got Leeds United playing some of the best football in the country, and they’re 10/11 to beat Preston North End tonight.
The Whites saw off Bolton Wanderers in round one, and though Bielsa is sure to make changes ahead of a Friday night clash against Middlesbrough, they should have too much strength for a PNE side who have struggled to impress this term.
Patrick Bamford’s sole start this season came in that Bolton win, and the striker is 4/1 to score first at Elland Road.
Cardiff v Norwich
Cardiff City’s return to the Premier League has been lukewarm to say the least. They’re winless and have yet to score.
So a home tie against Norwich City could be the perfect fillip for Neil Warnock’s side.
The Canaries have struggled so far this term, with a particular weakness in defence. That could offer the Welsh hosts a shot at victory at Evens.
Swansea v Crystal Palace
Staying in Wales, and an upset could be on the cards when Swansea take on Premier League Crystal Palace.
Graham Potter has made a solid start to live as Swans boss. They’ve lost only one of their six games in all competitions.
Palace have lost their last two matches, and this trip along the M4 is unlikely to be a priority for Eagles boss Roy Hodgson. Swansea are 13/5 to win tonight.
QPR v Bristol Rovers
After a dismal start to the season, Queens Park Rangers turned a corner last weekend with a win over Wigan Athletic.
And coach Steve McClaren will be keen to build on that result when they host Bristol Rovers this evening. Rovers have already lost four of their five league games, and the Championship hosts are 3/4 to grab a second win in succession.
Brighton v Southampton
There’s a South Coast derby in store tonight when Brighton & Hove Albion host Southampton. It’s also the only all-Premier League tie of the round.
Both sides have the squad depth to rotate players, and that may include a full start for Brighton’s big-money signing Alireza Jahanbakhsh.
The £17m star will be out to impress, and is 7/1 to score first. Manolo Gabbiadini could get a start for Mark Hughes’ Saints, with the Italian 11/2 first goalscorer and 21/10 Anytime.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing